09/02/2009
Mandelson Lauds NI Progress
UK Business Secretary Peter Mandelson has pledged to support Northern Ireland as the recession continues to take its grip in the province.
The Labour peer met with local Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster last week, on a visit to Bombardier in east Belfast.
Lord Mandelson and Ms Foster bother expressed regret at the news the aviation manufactured planned to cut 300 jobs at its city plant.
Minister Foster said her department and Invest NI would be working to help elevate the stress felt by the international firm.
However, the DUP MLA said the CSeries project could create 100 new jobs at the facility.
"The CSeries project is vitally important to the Northern Ireland economy and has the potential to provide economic benefits over the next 20 years," she said.
Ms Foster welcomed central government's extension of the BERR to Northern Ireland, aimed at reducing the impact of the recession.
"The Bank of England's decision to cut the interest rate to 1% should go some way to help stimulate the Northern Ireland economy," said the Minister.
Lord Mandelson noted the progress made in the Province since his last visit.
"These positive changes are down to the hope and determination of the people of Northern Ireland and their politicians to achieve a peaceful, more prosperous future.
"The UK government is committed to do everything it can to work with the Northern Ireland Assembly and others to give you the help you need, now and in the future."
Lord Mandelson also attended a business lunch, hosted by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, where he met with business representatives to discuss the impact of the current economic situation.
(PR/JM)
The Labour peer met with local Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster last week, on a visit to Bombardier in east Belfast.
Lord Mandelson and Ms Foster bother expressed regret at the news the aviation manufactured planned to cut 300 jobs at its city plant.
Minister Foster said her department and Invest NI would be working to help elevate the stress felt by the international firm.
However, the DUP MLA said the CSeries project could create 100 new jobs at the facility.
"The CSeries project is vitally important to the Northern Ireland economy and has the potential to provide economic benefits over the next 20 years," she said.
Ms Foster welcomed central government's extension of the BERR to Northern Ireland, aimed at reducing the impact of the recession.
"The Bank of England's decision to cut the interest rate to 1% should go some way to help stimulate the Northern Ireland economy," said the Minister.
Lord Mandelson noted the progress made in the Province since his last visit.
"These positive changes are down to the hope and determination of the people of Northern Ireland and their politicians to achieve a peaceful, more prosperous future.
"The UK government is committed to do everything it can to work with the Northern Ireland Assembly and others to give you the help you need, now and in the future."
Lord Mandelson also attended a business lunch, hosted by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, where he met with business representatives to discuss the impact of the current economic situation.
(PR/JM)
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